Chapter 3 word bank anatomy CSU

Active Transport

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (usually ATP).

Anaphase

A stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell.

Benign

A non-cancerous growth or tumor that does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

Cell Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Centrioles

Organelles involved in organizing the spindle fibers during cell division.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and proteins in the nucleus that condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Cilia

Hair-like projections on the surface of some cells that move fluid or materials across the cell surface.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm into two daughter cells after mitosis or meiosis.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside the cell membrane, excluding the nucleus, containing organelles and the cytosol.

Desmosomes

Cell structures that anchor adjacent cells together, providing mechanical stability to tissues.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in cells.

Endocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs extracellular material by folding the cell membrane inward to form vesicles.

Exocytosis

The process by which a cell expels materials from the cell by merging vesicles with the cell membrane.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures used for cell movement, found in some cells (e.g., sperm cells).

Gap Junctions

Channels between adjacent cells that allow for the direct exchange of ions and small molecules.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains instructions for making a specific protein or RNA molecule.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle involved in modifying, packaging, and shipping proteins and lipids for secretion or use in the cell.

Hypertonic

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than inside the cell, causing the cell to lose water.

Hypotonic

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes than inside the cell, causing the cell to gain water.

Intermediate Filaments

Cytoskeletal components that provide mechanical support for the cell and help maintain its shape.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division.

Isotonic

A solution with the same concentration of solutes as inside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Lysosome

An organelle containing digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Peroxisome

An organelle that breaks down fatty acids and detoxifies harmful substances.

Malignant

A cancerous growth that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).

Metaphase

A stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body.

Microfilaments

Thin, thread-like structures in the cytoskeleton made of actin, involved in cell movement and shape.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes in the cytoskeleton made of tubulin, involved in maintaining cell shape, cell division, and transport within the cell.

Microvilli

Finger-like projections on the surface of some cells that increase surface area for absorption.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

Mitosis

The process of cell division in which a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can affect the structure and function of proteins.

Necrosis

Unplanned cell death due to injury or disease, leading to inflammation.

Neoplasm

An abnormal growth of tissue, which may be benign or malignant (tumor).

Nucleus

The organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains DNA and controls cellular activities.

Osmosis

The passive movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.

Phagocytosis

A type of endocytosis where a cell engulfs large particles or other cells, often as part of the immune response.

Pinocytosis

A type of endocytosis where a cell engulfs liquids and dissolved substances.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, where chromosomes condense and the nuclear membrane breaks